LAND & EXPAND

Tea for two, and two for tea – the insider guide to the best meeting places in London’s tech cluster

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The London tech community is built on networking, meetings and events. Here is a guide to some of the best meeting places to hangout with London’s tech glitterati.

Everything radiates out from the Old Street roundabout, the symbolic centre of the community in and around Shoreditch. Just like its leadership in skinny jeans & moustaches, you will struggle to throw a stone and not hit a hipster coffee joint in EC1.

Ozone Coffee – Leonard Street

My personal favorite spot. You will bump into pretty much everyone who is anyone if you spend enough time here, with its amazing coffee and wonderful aroma from the beans they roast on site. It’s busy, as you would expect, so book for a booth with a table. Wifi, but no access to power sockets to keep your phone / Mac alive. http://ozonecoffee.co.uk

Hoxton Grill (Hoxton Hotel) – Great Eastern Street

Many places have tried to copy their formula. Lovely spot for meeting, drinking, eating. Especially in winter when they have the huge open fire going. If you are looking for meeting space you must check out their ‘Apartment’ meeting rooms. Wifi and limited power points. https://thehoxton.com/london/shoreditch/hotels

Google Campus – Bonhill Street

Campus makes the list, because it is a true hub spot. Just be aware if you want to have a semi private conversation or get your head down, then this is not the cafe for you. However if you want to bask in the buzz of early stage London startup life, grab a seat. Get there early though…it is permanently packed. Wifi & power. https://www.campus.co/london

Shoreditch Grind – Old Street

A bit of a local icon, this place is right by the Old Street roundabout. Has great coffee, and lots of outside seating. Just as famous for its sign writing, which changes on a regular basis. Wifi, no power. http://grind.co.uk/shoreditchgrind

Lantana – City Road

Not quite as chic as some on this list, but it’s a great relaxed meeting spot – plenty of tables, light and spacious. Doesn’t get crazy busy. It’s also a 2 minute walk from the Old Street roundabout. Wifi, no power. http://lantanacafe.co.uk/

Look Mum No Hands – Old Street

Up the road towards Clerkenwell, this place is a little different as it’s part hipster cafe, part cycle repair shop. Has a small ish outside seating area, but on nice days it’s impossible to get a table unless you are persistent. Wifi, no power. http://www.lookmumnohands.com

Workshop Coffee – Clerkenwell Road

Lovely little spot, great coffee, the only draw back is it has no wi-fi and poor mobile signal, at least it did the last time I went – some say that is part of its attraction! https://workshopcoffee.com

Taylor St Baristas – Clifton Street

They have a number of places in London, but this one is worth checking out as it’s not much more than a garden shed in a carpark! As such there is no room to meet inside, but the coffee is great, and it can be nice sitting outside when the weather is good. https://www.taylor-st.com/pages/shoreditch